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Crunch - Fat Burning Pilates
Actor: Ellen Barrett
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Retail Price (not our price): $14.98
Release Date: 2003-09-09
Theatrical Release Date: 2003
Studio: Starz / Anchor Bay
Run Time: 43 minutes
Format: Array
Format: Color, DVD-Video, NTSC
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Discs: 1


Editorial Reviews (supplied by Amazon.com):

1) Amazon.com
"Calorie burning cardio plus Pilates-based toning," promises this 40-minute Crunch program, which combines Pilates-influenced standing and mat exercises. In the cardio section, instructor Ellen Barrett uses Pilates terminology (e.g. "standing imprint") as she adapts Pilates moves to rather repetitious standing exercises--mostly squats and leg lift variations--which work the core muscles of the abdominals and back as well as legs, thighs, and buttocks. The moves are sometimes slow and rarely "travel," so your heart rate might not stay elevated, although your lower body and core muscles will get a good workout. The toning section consists of Pilates mat exercises which work abs, back, thighs, and buttocks. One exerciser demonstrates easier modifications. The background music is dominated by a lively drummer who keeps the workout upbeat and enthusiastic. --Joan Price

2) Description
Welcome to CRUNCH Fitness! Get the best of both worlds and the most for your effort with this winning combination: calorie-burning cardio along with Pilates-based toning. Impact safe yet so effective, it maximizes your fat-burning potential. You'll start with easy-to-follow cardio that skillfully blends dance and low impact cardio with standing Pilates-inspired moves into one routine to challenge your aerobic fitness, improve your posture and put you more in touch with the power of your "core." Then, kick off your shoes and hit the floor to tighten and tone your favorite body parts, including abs, butt and thighs. Get long, lean, sexy muscles with our series of Pilates mat exercises, sure to give you a year-round bikini body! For faster results than Pilates alone, this combo workout can help you sculpt your body AND burn fat! For all fitness levels. A mat or rug and bare feet are highly recommended for the Pilates floorwork.

Customer Reviews (supplied by Amazon.com):
Average Customer Rating: 4.0 out of 5

1) fun!   [Rating: 5 out of 5]
its a different workout than normal aerobics. mixed with pilates moves, this is a great workout, but not for beginners. i feel great after doing it. the first part is standing aerobics pilates, and is a challange. the second part is mat work and is a real challange, but is worth it. lots of fun.

2) Fun, Light Workout   [Rating: 4 out of 5]
Ellen Barrett is an exceptional instructor, and I haven't done a workout of hers yet that I didn't like. This workout isn't as challenging as some of her others, but with the amount of weightlifting and running that I do, a balanced, fluid workout like this one is a welcome change of pace. The standing portion consists largely of squats mixed with fun combinations of arm and leg variations that keep the workout from getting boring. The pace is reasonable - not "break-your-neck," but not "take-a-nap" either - and her cuing is terrific. The "floor" section is short but challenging IF you concentrate on proper form. The music is awesome, and I wish more workouts used drumming like this. It reminded me of The Method's Target Specifics (with Jennifer Kries), which I love both for the workout and for the music. Overall, I wouldn't use this DVD on days when I am looking for a full-blown Pilates or cardio workout. However, it is a great option on its own for a lighter day, or combined with a weight-lifting, cardio, or second Pilates session for a more complete workout.As a side note, I agree with some of the other reviewers that a few of Ellen's cohorts should have reconsidered their outfits before trying to work out in them. I usually don't notice that kind of thing - and it would never stop me from doing the workout - but it is actually distracting, especially when the camera cuts directly to them. Try to ignore it.

3) Mixed review   [Rating: 3 out of 5]
It's a great idea, but not very challenging aerobically, and there are far too many squats. You end up not getting a great workout, with the exception of incredibly sore thighs! Anyway, I use this DVD when I'm feeling lazy and don't really want to work out--"Well, I could at least do the Crunch Pilates routine." One more complaint--there are a couple of women on the video who can't actually do the knee lifts and some other things Ellen is leading them in because their pants are so low they would come off if they did. I realize that showing one's belly is the thing right now, but if you can't work out properly in what you're wearing, perhaps you should reconsider your workout wardrobe, n'est pas?

4) Almost as good as Burn and Firm Pilates   [Rating: 4 out of 5]
This will give you some Cardio as well as toning/ab workout/flexibility. As with all Pilates, this helps your balance and core strength. This was one of my first Pilates DVDs, and it is still good. However, if you are going to purchase a Crunch Cardio Pilates DVD, buy Burn and Firm Pilates first. This one is good; that one is better. Burn and Firm uses weights, which allows you to adjust to your level of fitness or desired exertion. Still, this one you could add for some variety.

5) Good cardio!   [Rating: 4 out of 5]
I like Ellen Barret's instruction. She goes smoothly from one move on to the next. Ellen's cueing is easy to follow, encouraging and she explains the exercise to keep you challenged and motivated.